TRAINING OF PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR WORKING IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Abstract

The article describes how higher-education trainers can prepare to be practical psychologists capable of giving evidence-based recommendations on competency and professional standards for Ukraine. The authors have analysed both academic publications and professional reports with a view to identifying trends that have an impact on quality of future professional training of psychologists. Indeed, analysis has shown that didactic elements, theory, and practice in training programs have been unevenly strung such that the absence of a few accentuations on ethics education has been shown to be due to majorly non-effectual supervision and a major absence of digital competencies. The model proposed provided training for psychologists and addressed reflexive needs regarding practice in the professional identity of students. This would, in turn, strengthen interdisciplinary integration so that future professionals can operate in intricate educational spaces. Focused on a systematic introduction of modern digital tools and appreciation of ethics as one feature of the overall quality of psychological participation within the school, this would talk about aligning academic content with practice in the integrated practically-oriented model of training psychologists underpinned by theory, education, and practical-reflexive perspectives.  In the empirical part of the research, a mini-training session named “Psychologist in Education: Competence, Ethics, Practice” has been organized, which offered such modules as ethical dilemmas, crisis counselling, and digital communication. Survey results (n=20) showed positive dynamics: 85% of participants reporting an increase in confidence degree, 78% in skills for crisis counselling, 82% in digital skills, and 90% in awareness for ethics. The conclusion regarding practice-oriented approaches has been strengthened: modification of the academic content of the courses should take under consideration balancing of theory with practical classes, increasing supervisory support, and methods involving digital tools and ethical component per modern standards.